Any Diva Cup users?

BLT20051 · February 2012

I know most of us dread CD1 but I thought since there are some "crunchy" people on this board, I'd ask here if anyone is willing to answer.

ETA - I should have clarified. I do use it and have for.....well almost a year now. I love it. I just had a question about boiling it. I wondered if anyone boiled it with vinegar or anything. Sorry for the confusion lol.

BLT20051 · February 2012

jessuhmarie:
I want to try it... but I'd have to buy it before my period to use it and that's too pessimistic for me. Maybe If I buy it, I'll get my BFP

Just might work! I had just sewn on my rank and then got offered a promotion. Ah well....lol

MissMercy89 · February 2012

whaaat, may I ask, is a diva cup?!

BLT20051 · February 2012

MissMercy89:

whaaat, may I ask, is a diva cup?!

It's a reusable menstrual cup. https://www.divacup.com/

SchruteBucks · February 2012

I've almost bought it about a hundred times, but have never made the leap. I know several women who use it and love it. I don't use tampons though because I can always feel them and they're uncomfortable. I worry that I'd have the same experience with the Diva Cup.

futuremamabird · February 2012

For some reason, when I hear "Diva Cup" I think of the infamous "Camel Toe Cup".

Twinkie0612 · February 2012

MissMercy89:

whaaat, may I ask, is a diva cup?!

It's a cup like device that can be used instead of a pad or tampon to collect menstrual fluid.

OP if you do decide to try it report back and let us know how you like it.

kelly321 · February 2012

I keep wanting to try them out as well. Every time I get my period and have to deal with tampons and pads I think, "Man. I really need to try out a diva cup." And then I forget about it until my next period starts. I don't think I've ever heard of someone trying them and not liking them.

JaimeLD6 · February 2012

Thought about but we have public bathrooms at work so cleaning it may be an issue

UrbanLe1 · February 2012

I loved loved LOVED mine. I used it constantly in college and after, until I had my first IUD inserted (can't use one with an IUD because of the strings). So much better than tampons for me--no smell (ever), no irritation (tampons make me feel wicked dry and itchy), and it can stay in much longer without changing/rinsing. Every girl I knew in college used one!

It takes a while to get the hang of it, but it's totally worth the adjustment, IMO.

Reyka9 · February 2012

I worry about the "retrieval" though. It sounds, um, messy.

Twinkie0612 · February 2012

futuremamabird:

For some reason, when I hear "Diva Cup" I think of the infamous "Camel Toe Cup".

buhahahah...

This reminds me of when I played softball. I was a catcher and my dad once tried to buy me a "pelvic protector." I told him that wasn't going to wear a cup.

BLT20051 · February 2012

JaimeLD6:
Thought about but we have public bathrooms at work so cleaning it may be an issue

I thought this would be an issue but it hasn't been. I have two so I keep a clean one with me so I can swap them out. Typically, I can wash it right away but if someone else is in the restroom, I wrap it with a ton of TP and take it back in later to wash. Since it gets dumped into the toilet anyway, cleaning isn't that bad.

angelsnight · February 2012

kelly321:
I keep wanting to try them out as well. Every time I get my period and have to deal with tampons and pads I think, "Man. I really need to try out a diva cup." And then I forget about it until my next period starts. I don't think I've ever heard of someone trying them and not liking them.

I'm one! I cannot get the darn thing in. You have to fold it to insert it, I get it part way in and it comes unfolded, basically expanding in a spot where you can still feel it and it hurts. I've heard of so many women that love it, and I've used tampons for years with no problem so I really don't know why I can't get it in.

I did very briefly attempt to use a diaphram years ago and had the same issue, so I guess I am just not competent with these things.

BLT20051 · February 2012

Reyka9:
I worry about the "retrieval" though. It sounds, um, messy.

It takes a little practice, when I first started I'd "retrieve" it in the shower. Now, I'm a pro, lol. It's no harder really than peeing in a cup and not spilling it.

SchruteBucks · February 2012

CLECyclist:

SchruteBucks:
I've almost bought it about a hundred times, but have never made the leap. I know several women who use it and love it. I don't use tampons though because I can always feel them and they're uncomfortable. I worry that I'd have the same experience with the Diva Cup.

Same here. I've never really gotten a tampon to feel right, so I'd have this same concern. An expensive mistake, I would fear! You can give away a box of tampons but it's not so much that you can go "Hey I tried this Diva Cup and it didn't work out.. You want it?"

Haha! So true! I've given away many boxes of tampons (because I've tried them all!), but I doubt I could pawn off a Diva Cup to a friend.

angelsnight · February 2012

LindsRockies:

JaimeLD6:
Thought about but we have public bathrooms at work so cleaning it may be an issue

I always wondered about this too.

And LOLz at "crunchy" BLT.

Like I said in my other reply, I've never really used mine because I have issues getting it in. But, most women say they don't need to clean/empty it for 12 hours, so it's very likely you wouldn't have to deal with it in a public bathroom.

CCLoar · February 2012

I have heard too many stories about them spilling.

BLT20051 · February 2012

angelsnight:

kelly321:
I keep wanting to try them out as well. Every time I get my period and have to deal with tampons and pads I think, "Man. I really need to try out a diva cup." And then I forget about it until my next period starts. I don't think I've ever heard of someone trying them and not liking them.

I'm one! I cannot get the darn thing in. You have to fold it to insert it, I get it part way in and it comes unfolded, basically expanding in a spot where you can still feel it and it hurts. I've heard of so many women that love it, and I've used tampons for years with no problem so I really don't know why I can't get it in.

I did very briefly attempt to use a diaphram years ago and had the same issue, so I guess I am just not competent with these things.

It takes practice! It really does. I've found(for me) that I fold it and hold it closer toward the bottom and it's less likely to unfold. I also think it takes a few minutes to get "settled." I can feel it as I walk the 50 ft. from the bathroom back to my office but a few mins later, nothing.

BLT20051 · February 2012

MandJS:
I use it, but I haven't boiled it yet. I think you just do like you would with bottle nipples - just throw in boiling water sans anything else.

I've never boiled nipples, but ok. So just get the water boiling and toss it in? How long do you think? Not long right, I mean it's plastic.

Indynurse12 · February 2012

I've heard lots of good things about it but I've never been brave enough to try it out myself. I'll probably stick with tampons.

Gem11 · February 2012

I have wanted to try the Diva cup for years, but I've had an IUD so thats out.

I may try one when I have it removed, I think boiling it with plain water would be sufficient to clean it. Vinegar might be a little harsh for the rubber or whatever it's made out of.

rayofsunshine99 · February 2012

I've thought about getting one a lot of times too but never have because for some reason, spending $30 at once for menstrual care seems worse than spending it over time. But I don't like tampons either, and I've used the "Instead Cups" but those are hard to retrieve. Maybe I'll take the step.

rrdiva1 · February 2012

So funny,

I used the instead cups, which came out way before the "diva cup". Probaly like 11 years ago.

I loved it, took some practice (which I recommend doing before heavy flow, or it can get really ugly quick).

No one really heard of them when I first started trying them. Now I see people use them for fertilty. (who would have thought).

BLT20051 · February 2012

rrdiva1:

So funny,

I used the instead cups, which came out way before the "diva cup". Probaly like 11 years ago.

I loved it, took some practice (which I recommend doing before heavy flow, or it can get really ugly quick).

No one really heard of them when I first started trying them. Now I see people use them for fertilty. (who would have thought).

Really? I wish someone would have clued me in. I despise tampons and pads.

MrsWeatherdon · February 2012

I love mine!!! It is so much easier! I keep it in for twelve hours so I don't have to think about it at all when I'm at work!

rayofsunshine99 · February 2012

MandJS:
UrbanLe1:
I loved loved LOVED mine. I used it constantly in college and after, until I had my first IUD inserted (can't use one with an IUD because of the strings). So much better than tampons for me--no smell (ever), no irritation (tampons make me feel wicked dry and itchy), and it can stay in much longer without changing/rinsing. Every girl I knew in college used one!
It takes a while to get the hang of it, but it's totally worth the adjustment, IMO.
Where did you hear that? I have been told that it's still okay to use with an IUD...

This is from their FAQ's on their site

Please use caution when using any internal feminine hygiene product with an IUD as there is the possibility of dislodging it. Many of our customers use The DivaCup and an IUD simultaneously, but we recommend that you become familiar with your particular IUD risks (such as the body expelling the IUD, etc.).

As with any gynecological concerns, please consult your physician prior to using a menstrual cup.

kingscross270 · February 2012

Reyka9:
I worry about the "retrieval" though. It sounds, um, messy.

This! I almost bought on 2 weeks ago. Maybe I'll give it a try, if there is a next cycle.

rayofsunshine99 · February 2012

Bacon+lettuce+tomato:
I know most of us dread CD1 but I thought since there are some "crunchy" people on this board, I'd ask here if anyone is willing to answer.

ETA - I should have clarified. I do use it and have for.....well almost a year now. I love it. I just had a question about boiling it. I wondered if anyone boiled it with vinegar or anything. Sorry for the confusion lol.

Have you seen/used the Diva Wash?

BLT20051 · February 2012

rayofsunshine99:
Bacon+lettuce+tomato:

I know most of us dread CD1 but I thought since there are some "crunchy" people on this board, I'd ask here if anyone is willing to answer.

ETA - I should have clarified. I do use it and have for.....well almost a year now. I love it. I just had a question about boiling it. I wondered if anyone boiled it with vinegar or anything. Sorry for the confusion lol.

Have you seen/used the Diva Wash?

I've seen it. I've just been using basic anti-bacterial soap since I figured that's all "diva wash" really is.

ansi29 · February 2012

jessuhmarie:
I want to try it... but I'd have to buy it before my period to use it and that's too pessimistic for me. Maybe If I buy it, I'll get my BFP

My logic exactly. I have wanted to get one for a year but I keep thinking this cycle might be the one.

RJM050705 · February 2012

Bacon+lettuce+tomato:
MandJS:
I use it, but I haven't boiled it yet. I think you just do like you would with bottle nipples - just throw in boiling water sans anything else.

I've never boiled nipples, but ok. So just get the water boiling and toss it in? How long do you think? Not long right, I mean it's plastic.

I was reading on their FAQ page and it said 5-10 mins.

I read somewhere else that some women use either a diva cup or instead soft cup while TTC after sex to keep sperm in. Anyone try that?

sparklemotion86 · February 2012

I have used the diva cup for about 4 years and I absolutely love it. I have boiled it before. I usually let it boil it for about 5 minutes and I boil it every few months. I have used the diva wash but found that antibacterial soap was similar and cheaper.

BLT20051 · February 2012

Good to know ladies! Thanks!

And those of you who are curious, get one. Even when you do get your BFP, you won't have to buy anything PP.

Juicy71 · February 2012

Bacon+lettuce+tomato:
rrdiva1:

So funny,

I used the instead cups, which came out way before the "diva cup". Probaly like 11 years ago.

I loved it, took some practice (which I recommend doing before heavy flow, or it can get really ugly quick).

No one really heard of them when I first started trying them. Now I see people use them for fertilty. (who would have thought).

Really? I wish someone would have clued me in. I despise tampons and pads.

I used to use the Instead cup as well and I LOVED it... I can't remember why I stopped using them honestly as I hate tampons. Instead cups are disposable and you can get 24 on Amazon for $16.98. So, if you just wanted to try them without putting down the $30 or whatever for the Diva Cup you could do that.

https://www.amazon.com/Instead-Hour-Feminine-Protection-Cup/dp/B0000533CC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1330536456&sr=8-13

Like pps, I have also hesitated to order them, just in case!! But I think I will this cycle.

UrbanLe1 · February 2012

MandJS:
rayofsunshine99:
MandJS:
UrbanLe1:
I loved loved LOVED mine. I used it constantly in college and after, until I had my first IUD inserted (can't use one with an IUD because of the strings). So much better than tampons for me--no smell (ever), no irritation (tampons make me feel wicked dry and itchy), and it can stay in much longer without changing/rinsing. Every girl I knew in college used one!
It takes a while to get the hang of it, but it's totally worth the adjustment, IMO.
Where did you hear that? I have been told that it's still okay to use with an IUD...

This is from their FAQ's on their site

Please use caution when using any internal feminine hygiene product with an IUD as there is the possibility of dislodging it. Many of our customers use The DivaCup and an IUD simultaneously, but we recommend that you become familiar with your particular IUD risks (such as the body expelling the IUD, etc.).
As with any gynecological concerns, please consult your physician prior to using a menstrual cup.

Right. I don't disagree that you need to be cognizant, but I don't think that specifically bars the use of an IUD with diva cup.

Exactly--discontinuing use when I had my IUD put in was a personal decision. I had extra long strings on my IUD--lots of friends with IUDs had problems with super short strings, and my GYN kept them long for that reason. I noticed that I could absolutely feel the strings catching on the lip of the cup when I put it in--it freaked me out, and I just switched to tampons on my own. I think every woman's interior shape is different, and IUD strings are more of an issue with some women than others--this was a personal choice.

ETA: And now that I'm thinking about it, and remembering how quickly and easily that IUD pulled out when I had it removed, I'm extra glad I stopped--I totally could have yanked that thing out or dislodged it and never even known! Eeek!

Foxlover · February 2012

I clean mine with tea tree Dr.Bronner's , and boil it twice a month with just plain water.

Love my Diva Cup, never ever ever going back to pads or tampons!

BackseatDriver · February 2012

Cleaning instructions from the website (I bolded sections pertaining to your specific question):

The DivaCup should always be thoroughly cleaned. Washing the cup in mild soap and warm water provides sufficient cleansing. The best cleaning agent to use is The DivaWash. We have formulated it as a pH balanced wash that is best for the cup and you, because it does not leave residue. Remember to wash your hands before inserting and removing your DivaCup.

The DivaCup?s top quality, healthcare grade silicone can tolerate high temperatures. At the end of each cycle The DivaCup should be washed and rinsed as specified and may be boiled by submerging in an open pan of boiling water (continuous rolling boil) for five to ten (5-10) minutes. Do not leave the boiling pot unattended and use enough water so that the pan does not boil dry.

Do not use: vinegar, tea tree oil, scented/fragranced soap, castile/peppermint castile soap or any other oil based soap, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, pre-moistened wipes, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, bleach or harsh chemicals as some have been known to damage or compromise the silicone (such as a sticky or powdery film, etc.) and may need to be replaced to avoid irritations, burning, etc. If you have cleaned your DivaCup with any of the non-recommended cleansers, replace the cup if there are any signs of deterioration or you experience irritation.
We do not recommend cleaning The DivaCup in the dishwasher because chemicals, detergents and residue from previous dishwashing could harm the cup.

After use and proper cleaning, the cup must be placed in a storage that allows for air flow. The DivaCup comes with its own drawstring cotton pouch.

The four holes under the rim are of vital importance. They create the seal that secures the cup in place. If the holes need extra cleaning, we suggest that you fill the cup with warm water. Cover the top with your palm, sealing it up. Turn it upside down (still sealed by your palm) and then, apply pressure to the sides of The DivaCup pushing the water out through the sides. This removes residue left in the holes. To clean the stem and/or holes, you can also soak the cup in warm water for a few minutes then use a soft toothbrush (specifically designated only for the cup) for this. You can use a toothpick (discarding after use), as well. We do not suggest a pin as it may cause damage to the cup.

BLT20051 · February 2012

GhostMonkey:
Bacon+lettuce+tomato:

Good to know ladies! Thanks!

And those of you who are curious, get one. Even when you do get your BFP, you won't have to buy anything PP.

Yeah, you will. Nothing up the vag for 6 weeks PP. But after that you would be in the clear.

I meant it's not like it expires so you can always use it after. Thanks for clarifying.

BLT20051 · February 2012

MandJS:
Bacon+lettuce+tomato:
GhostMonkey:
Bacon+lettuce+tomato:

Good to know ladies! Thanks!

And those of you who are curious, get one. Even when you do get your BFP, you won't have to buy anything PP.

Yeah, you will. Nothing up the vag for 6 weeks PP. But after that you would be in the clear.

I meant it's not like it expires so you can always use it after. Thanks for clarifying.

I think they recommend replacing every 5 or 10 years, actually (don't really remember). But yes - definitely means you don't need to worry about tampons PP if you get KU soon.

There are those who get KU bacak to back to back though so it's a good thing you mentioned replacing it.

ihatelettuce · February 2012

I got one and used it a few years ago, but it was only good while I was working from home. I have no desire to be found washing out that bloody mess in the sink at work.

That being said, it felt great and it doesn't irritate you from pushing and pulling things out of there for a week. If we had private bathrooms with sinks in them at work I would consider it again.

It's also kind of gross because you have to boil it each cycle. You put it in a pot on the stove. My husband hated it when I left it there to cool and he'd have to see it.

Want a personalized experience?

Any Diva Cup users?

Re: Any Diva Cup users?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards